FAQ

Can I begin my tour at the airport or cruise terminal? Is there any extra charge?

Yes, I can meet you off your flight or cruise if we’re starting the tour straight away. And there’s no extra charge for meeting at the airport But if you’d prefer to freshen up first, let’s meet at your hotel, and begin the tour from there If I’m meeting you at the airport or cruise terminal, it’s a good idea to let me know how much luggage you’ll be bringing

What’s your cancellation policy?

Up until 24 hours before your tour begins, the cancellation fee is AU$100 per day Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour will be charged the full amount of the tour. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration

What’s the vehicle?

A 2016 VW Multivan Generation 6. That’s a twin-turbo diesel people-mover with leather seats, headrests, armrests and dual air-conditioning. It takes up to 6 passengers, but larger groups can be accommodated in a different vehicle You can read about the van here

Can we eat and drink in the van? Does it have wifi? What about USB ports?

Yes, yes and yes

Can I bring my baby on the tour?

Yes, and I have the appropriate car seat also. But please be mindful that your baby’s eating and sleeping patterns are likely to alter the course of the tour, and may prevent us seeing and doing everything we planned Also, if you can wear your baby in a sling or carrier, you’ll find it easier than a stroller. Most of the walks on my tours are not stroller-friendly, and strollers are not permitted on the Scenic Railway either

Do you provide bottled water?

Try drinking Sydney tap water instead It tastes better than bottled water, it’s kinder to the environment, and it’s free! Your hotel will give you bottles you can refill as we tour

Will I need cash on the tour?

You’ll need cash (Australian dollars) in the Blue Mountains, to ride the Scenic Railway. You may also need cash depending where we stop for lunch, and you’ll certainly need cash for the eats on Sydney Doesn’t Only Speak English. Otherwise, credit cards will cover all your incidentals

Do I have to do the walks/hikes that are part of the tour?

There are no compulsory activities on any of my tours. The only things I try to make you do are smile and laugh. (But if you’re not interested in smiling or laughter, that’s OK too). Please, if you have difficulty walking, and own a disabled parking permit, bring it with you on the tour

Will you take me inside Sydney Opera House?

No, but I’ll take you to the best vantage points from which to photograph the opera house. If you’d like to see inside, you can book a show or a tour through the SOH website

What about The Rocks? Darling Harbour? The Botanic Gardens?

All these areas are better explored on foot, and don’t necessarily require a guide. We can certainly drive by or through them, but that doesn’t really do them justice. Besides, there are free daily walking tours in both The Rocks and Sydney CBD

Can we eat at the fish market?

Sure, but let’s do so before 11am. Any later, and it’s so busy that parking, ordering and securing a table becomes a real challenge

Isn't Bondi the best beach in Sydney?

No, it’s just the best known beach in Sydney

What if it's raining in the Blue Mountains? Will we see anything?

Unfortunately, the mountains are prone to fog during rainy weather. But it’s fickle. One valley can be fogged in, and the next is clear. And the fog can blow out of a valley as quickly as it can roll in, often in as little as 5-10 minutes If you’re at all concerned, keep an eye on the weather forecast I’d estimate the number of times I take people to the Blue Mountains and they see nothing at all is no more than 2-3 occasions each year

Will you show me kangaroos and koalas in the wild?

Probably not. If we see some, that’s a bonus. But be aware that we’ll be unable to get close to them, because they’re wild animals. So they’re usually not very interested in contact with humans

So, should I go to the zoo to see kangaroos and koalas?

No, you should go to Featherdale

Are you just saying that because they pay you a commission?

I don’t accept commissions or kickbacks from any of the businesses we visit And I don’t pay commissions to agents or concierges, either This helps maintain the integrity of my business. And it keeps the prices reasonable too

Since you don't charge by the hour, I can book you for earlier than I need you, and just leave you sitting outside the hotel until I'm ready, right?

Ok, so nobody ever actually says that, but it’s an issue from time to time Please, if you know you’re running late, let me know in advance, by text or email I understand you’re on holidays and probably on a foreign time zone too, so a few minutes here and there isn’t a problem But be aware that the starting time of the tour has been chosen by you. So, if you’re more than 30 minutes late for the tour pickup, I reserve the right to modify the tour, impose a surcharge, or cancel the tour without refund Hopefully, it never comes to that, though